Storm watch: Cape manager closes City Hall for Monday; declares local state of emergency

August 26, 2012

Cape Coral City Manager John Szerlag has closed City Hall and other city facilities on Monday and declared a local state of emergency for Cape Coral on Sunday.

The budget workshop scheduled for Monday evening also has been canceled.

"The storm continues to pose a threat to our community and will bring strong winds and rain throughout Monday," said Szerlag in a prepared statement. "Our residents need to follow the directions of local emergency officials and be safe until the storm passes."

Szerlag advised residents to keep watch on the storm and the deteriorating weather conditions expected today. With the meteorologists predicting some level of storm surge, residents in low-lying areas that may be prone to flooding should consider taking extra precautions to protect their families.

Szerlag said his decision to declare a local state of emergency for Cape Coral followed the direction taken by Lee County and other local municipalities. Residents should note that this local state of emergency does not mean there are any mandatory evacuations in Cape Coral.

"The local state of emergency provides us with the ability to implement additional public safety measures if it becomes necessary," said Szerlag. "Our only purpose in making this declaration is to have in place the necessary tools to protect our residents throughout this storm event."

The local state of emergency provides the city manager with certain authorities including:

* Implementing emergency plans/procedures

* Implement price gouging protections

* Establish debris removal process

* Install curfews (if necessary in case of widespread power outages)

The local state of emergency will remain in effect until the storm passes and the city manager determines that the threats associated with the storm have ended. Szerlag expects City operations to return to their normal operating schedule on Tuesday